Bringing Alice by Heart to life has been a journey of imagination, resilience, and heart. This beautifully complex story, set in the depths of a London Underground shelter during the Blitz, follows Alice as she escapes into the familiar yet ever-changing world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It’s a tale of grief, love, and the power of stories to help us heal.
As Alice clings to the book that has always comforted her, she learns that sometimes, we must move forward-even when we’re not ready to let go.
I could not be prouder of this cast and crew. They have poured their souls into this production, embracing the challenges of its layered narrative, emotionally rich characters, and unconventional storytelling. Their dedication, creativity, and willingness to take risks have made this show something truly special. Watching them grow through this process has been inspiring, and I hope you see the passion they bring to the stage tonight.
Production of this scale is never possible without a strong team. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my assistant director and choreographer, Talia Crume. Her talent, vision, and unwavering support have been invaluable in shaping this production. From guiding movement to refining moments of pure theatrical magic, Talia has been an essential part of this journey.
Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to our set builder, Neil Kapple, and the Tech Design and Creation class for their incredible work in creating and constructing the technical elements of this production. Their craftsmanship, problem-solving, and dedication behind the scenes have transformed our vision into reality. The world of Alice by Heart would not exist without their skill and hard work.
Lastly thank you to Sean Sheldrake who took the time to come and work on the lighting and teach the students the nuances of sound! I have great tech people in the booth and that is thanks to your investment in them!
Thank you for joining us in this world of wonder and reflection. We hope Alice by Heart resonates with you as much as it has with us.
Enjoy the show!
Jeni Sheldrake
Director, Night Hawk Theater Company at MVHS
Synopsis
ACT 1
West of Words
During the Nazi bombing known as the Blitz of World War II with their homes reduced to rubble, Alice and her beloved friend Alfred find themselves in a tube station that has become a makeshift shelter. Alfred has become stricken with tuberculosis, and in her denial of the reality of his illness, Alice is convinced that if she could read their favorite childhood book, Alice in Wonderland, she could transport them to a place where all will be well.
Down the Hole
Alice transforms herself into the storybook Alice, and Alfred becomes the white rabbit. Likewise, Alice turns all the displaced
youth into her idiosyncratic versions of the Lewis Carroll characters she remembers.
Still
Understanding that his time is limited, Alfred anxiously declares that he is late and attempts to rush off while Alice resists and begs him to
linger a bit longer with him.
Chillin’ the Regrets
Enter the caterpillar, or caterpillars, who make an offer to Alice that will help her with her fear of time passing and losing her friend.
The Key Is
Alice attempts to convince Alfred that taking what the Caterpillar offers is the key to unlocking the imagination, allowing time to stop and opening the world of Wonderland rather than being in a rush.
Those Long Eyes
For a moment Alice has Alfred dancing a quadrille with the Lobsters and in that quiet moment she is able to hold Alfred in her arms.
Manage Your Flamingo
Although Alice has made several attempts to skip the parts of the story she finds frightening, useless, or boring, she cannot
hide from the mad, body-shaming Duchess. The Duchess is angry with Alice for returning to Wonderland more grown up, making the duchess appear older.
Brillig- Braelig
When Alfred is sent to the dreaded “Ward D”, a hospice of sorts for the good-as-dead, Alice comes face to face with Doctor Butridge who
has become the dreaded Jabberwocky with his menacing medical lingo.
Some Things Fall Away
As Alice feels lost and alone, she calls out, begging for direction;
“Which Way”?
The Cheshire Cat appears to help Alice cope with the imminent
passing of Alfred.
Your Shell of Grief
The Mock Turtles tell their story of loss that mimics that of the Jewish People during WWII. They tell their story to help Alice understand that she must never fully recover from her grief because recovering means forgetting what is essential.
Sick to Death of Aliceness
Alfred becomes frustrated with Alice’s refusal to accept his fate and attempts to make Alice hate him to lessen her pain when he is gone.
He jumps into the role of the busy and nasty March Hare. He invites Alice to a tea party with the war-scarred Hatter and friends.
Through a lively and somewhat aggressive dance and song, the Dormouse, March Har,e and The Hatter bully Alice about “how she is”.
ACT 2
Do You Think We Think Your Alice?
The court asks Alice why she believes she is the only person who ever put herself in the story. All the characters are offended that Alice is attempting
to re-write the classic book without considering what they want.
I’ve Shrunk Enough
Alice finds the strength to regain control and show the queen who is in charge. She takes over the court and characters like puppets.
Isn’t it a Trial
Alice is, despite her efforts, on trial. The queen is happy to insult and attempt to reduce Alice. The trial is, as Alice remembers, unfair.
Another Room in Your Head
In this Wonderland, Alice wants to avoid the trial from the classic tale. Stopping the story now is not an option; Alfred wants to help Alice continue without him.
Afternoon
Finding acceptance, Alice says goodbye to Alfred and her childhood.
Winter Blooms
As the show concludes, Alice finds comfort with the Cheshire Cat/ Tabitha and the others in the bunker with her.